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Precinct caucuses offer way to be heard

March 5 is the date set for the precinct caucus  next to voting, the most important activity for you to affect public policy.

The precinct caucus is for you to express your concerns that will help to develop the platform of the major political parties. This is also where those interested can begin to become a participant in the political process. Whether to become a party volunteer or only to voice your views, caucus night is your chance to be heard. It is the vocal who define the focal point.

The precinct caucus is mandated by the state of Washington to be held every two years. Issues are considered for inclusion into the party platform, as well as voting on delegates to the district and county conventions.

The precinct committee officer is an official elected office. Each precinct has two precinct committee officers, one for each party. That person is the chairman of the precinct caucus and the grassroots contact for that party. The precinct committee officer has the privilege to be an automatic delegate to the first rounds of conventions.

The precinct caucus is often held in the home of the current precinct committee officer for that party. Other locations may be at a nearby school or other suitable place.

For information on where your precinct caucus is being held, contact the county headquarters for your party. Contact phone numbers are: King County Republicans, (206) 378-1998; Pierce County Republicans, (253) 383-1795; King County Democrats, (206) 622-9157; and Pierce County Democrats, (253) 535-4769

Republicans in the 31st District of King County can find their location on the Internet at www.GOP31.com (click on Caucus Meetings). The 31st District includes Enumclaw, most of Auburn and southern parts of Kent.

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